French football journalist Julien Laurens can see the similarities between Cabella and Ginola, and says he's less trouble than Hatem Ben Arfa

David Ginola Newcastle United celebrates after scoring against Arsenal at St James Park

The closest reference point for Newcastle United supporters is David Ginola.

Remy Cabella arrives to plug the creativity gap left by Yohan Cabaye but his is a game laced with excitement, energy and stepovers rather than the elegance that we got used to with the now departed midfield engine lieutenant. Conducting a quick straw poll of French observers, Ginola’s name crops up more often than not.

Julien Laurens is a French journalist working for RTL and Le Parisien. He has seen the progress of Cabella in recent years and believes that Newcastle supporters wondering whether the pursuit will justify the pursuit will soon have that debate settled.

“The most common thing that is said about him is that he’s very much like Ginola. This is because it’s true and because he gets the fans excited,” he says.

“He is very similar to what Ginola was when he was 24. He is a wonderful player and he is someone that the supporters will certainly enjoy watching.”

This will be a music to the ears of United fans who were subjected to some of the most functional football in recent memory in that cursed second half of the season.

A crowd that had grown used to the touch of Gallic genius brought to the party by Cabaye were baying for Alan Pardew to use Hatem Ben Arfa, but the manager didn’t trust him. Will it be any different with this maverick?

“He is like Hatem in the way he plays but he is much more clever and grounded,” Laurens says.

“He is a young guy as well but his dad looks after him and he is much more grounded than someone like Hatem, who can do silly things at times. Cabella is much more grounded and is more sensible. He is ambitious and will work hard at Newcastle.”

For United fans looking for evidence of that, they should consider last season – which was his brightest yet for Montpellier.

That came because he was told that his play had become too extravagant, his dribbles and stepovers simply too much for a team that needed him to produce in front of goal. He responded with his most prolific campaign yet.

“Cristiano Ronaldo has always been his idol, right down to him having the same haircut,” Laurens said.

“He modelled his game on him with the skills and stepovers as well but he used to be quite ineffective, to be honest. He was told to change his game and he dropped some of the stepovers and now you have seen a big difference in his game. He scored 15 goals and was much more effective.

“He had by far his best season and you could see the difference in it. Newcastle are getting him at a good time and he is an excellent signing for them.”

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